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Kosrae: Where to Stay — Ecotourism and Relaxation
by Diane LeBow

Kosrae is one of the loveliest and least discovered of all the Micronesian islands.

There are several places to stay on Kosrae.

The Kosrae Nautilus Resort, run by hospitable Australian owners, Doug and Sally. This friendly and modern complex offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms, television, wireless internet and even a swimming pool. www.kosraenautilus.com.

Just up the road, the Kosrae Village Resort run by former Californians, Katrina Adams and her husband Bruce Brandt. They created this complex of thatched cottages, or “lohms,” which are modeled after ancient Kosraean architecture. The structures are nestled among the indigenous trees, affording natural air-conditioning and an eco and traditional experience. They serve a delicious fresh mangrove crab salad as well as indigenous tangerines at the resor ....

Pacific Dreams
by Tim Rock

Diversity rules the Pacific. If we could flip the world inside out, the vast stretch of the Pacific Ocean would become the world’s greatest continent. And instantly exposed to the air would be the most- mysterious and unexplored region on the planet. But, alas, we’re left to stare at the surface in wonder, or slip into the merest surface of its depths. And what a surface it is. From the Polynesian miracle that is Tahiti to the cultural gem of Vanuatu, every single destination in this region overflows with plenty. And you’ll need to know one thing to begin your adventures here: You will need more pages for your life list, because each venture leads to another discovery, which reveals even more in an endless cycle. It's more than you'll ever conquer in a lifetime, ....

Kosrae: Home of the Breadfruit Goddess and Sleeping Lady Mountain
by Diane LeBow

A baby gecko watched me as I awoke in my mosquito net-draped bed. Island breezes played their morning symphony through the palms, ka, breadfruit, and pandanus trees surrounding our open-walled, thatched cottage. It was high tide and the sea once again splashed over the island's surrounding coral reefs and lapped at the shore about 15 feet from our bed. I sniffed the sweet smelling rain-forest air and was ready for another day of adventure and relaxation on Kosrae, one of the most beautiful and least visited islands of the Central Pacific.

Located 5 degrees north of the equator and seven hours by plane southwest of Honolulu, Kosrae offered many delights to John, my photographer husband, and me during our two-week visit. Definitely off the beaten track, one of the four Federation of Micronesia islands, Kosrae was recently named one of the Top 10 Destinations of 200 ....

50 Top Ecolodges: The Most Earth-Friendly Retreats in the World’s Most Spectacular Wilds
by Costas Christ and Kate Siber

A decade ago, you could count the number of true ecolodges in the world on two hands. But today we are witnessing one of the most significant transformations in the history of modern travel. And ecolodges are at the center of this movement. Once located exclusively in the African bush and Central American jungles, these retreats now span nearly every ecosystem and every budget—and their mission has never been more vital. Sure, they offer great service and comfort in spectacular locations, but they also support local communities, connect their guests to cultures on an authentic level, create impactful conservation initiatives, and incre ....

Eco-Adventure at Kosrae Village
by Jessie Voigts

Micronesia? A place far, far away. However, I consider it an ideal spot to travel to, to learn about other cultures, relax in a sustainable ecolodge, and volunteer to help marine research, if you're so inclined. Yes, I have found a place that is very special, and would like to introduce our wandering educators to Kosrae Village, in Micronesia.

Kosrae Village has had an impact on Kosrae Island, and the region in general, that is far out of proportion to its size. “Tiny and tenacious”, Kosrae Village’s influence has been felt across the island and the region.

In addition to introducing travelers to Kosrae’s diverse ecosystems and rich culture, Kosrae Village has made a commitment to work with the local community in preserving and sustainably developing the Island’s vital resources, while protecting its cultural heritage.

The three owners, ....

Trips Great for You — and the Planet Too
Looking for a Vacation that can Make a Difference? World-class Eco Tours
by Stephanie Stephens

Some shudder at being called a "tourist." That is, someone who travels strictly for personal pleasure, without regard for the local culture. Relax—the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) says tourism is actually a key driver for socio-economic progress. What’s more, the tourism industry equals, or even surpasses, that of oil exports, food products or automobiles.

Over the years, the tourism family tree has grown many branches: adventure, cultural, experiential, geo-, heritage, nature-based, responsible and sustainable, to name just a few. One of the most exciting offshoots is ecotourism, which is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people," according to Th ....

Kosrae Village Ecolodge Recognized with Four Green Stars by Eco Hotels of the World

Eco Hotels of the World is an independent guide to some of the greenest hotels on the planet. Each featured hotel has been selected by the team to ensure that it meets or exceeds standards in five categories - energy, water, disposal, eco-active and protection. Each Category is assessed with a rating between ★ and ★★★★★, and the average of each score is used to determine the overall result that reflects the green qualities of each establishment. Kosrae Village received an overall score of Four Green Stars.

Full Green Star Rating Results:

Overall Rating: ★★★★ (4)

Energy Rating: ★★★ (3)
Staff Comment - All power is turned off when an area or equipment is not in use. florescent lighting used throughout. Buildings designed to use natural ....

The Blue List: Recipients of the Islands Global Sustainable Tourism Blue Awards 

Islands magazine looked in every nook and cranny, under every palm tree, on every beach, in countless resorts, under the sea and on islands everywhere for people and places that have embraced, nurtured and protected the amazingly diverse natural and cultural heritage of our planet. What they've discovered on this journey is how incredible the world is and how it inspires us as island travelers. The December issue is a celebration of the leaders and innovators in sustainable tourism, people committed to preserving everything that is unique about our island experiences. In those pages, you'll find 100 of the best of the best — the Blue List. Blue, of course, because islands are defined by water.

THE WINNERS » They also established the annual ISLANDS Global Sustainable Tourism Awards. You'll find the first five ....

Paradise in the middle of nowhere
People come to Kosrae for the simple life; to immerse themselves in the culture, mingle with the locals, scuba dive and fish
By Yvette Cardozo

Even the feral cats here at Kosrae are friendly. I was sitting at the airport, waiting for my jet home when a small, scrawny calico cat approached me tentatively, then more assertively, then practically climbed in my lap.

All she wanted was to be petted. She purred and even gave me her tummy, usually a sign of sure trust with a cat.

Then there was the striped cat at Kosrae Village Resort, which snuck in at night while I was downloading pictures to my computer. Suddenly, plop, there would be four paws in my lap.

And so it goes, too, with the people. Wander into someone's backyard and you risk being invited to dinner.

Back at the end of the Second World War when the occupying Japanese force was or ....

2500 Miles from Everywhere, by Rob LaGrone

“Kosrae is the crossroads of the Pacific,” explained Katrina Adams, as she drove us from the little airport to the secluded resort.  “It’s the first landfall for hundreds of miles.  The Kosraeans have always been great navigators.”  I guess they had to be.  When I first saw the small island through the window of the 737, I wondered how anyone found it even today.